Madison, WI – Earlier this month, Senator Rob Stafsholt (R-New Richmond) and Representative Chanz Green (R-Grand View) introduced legislation that would require the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to include a statewide population goal in its wolf management plan. This legislation comes after the promulgation of the DNR’s wolf rule which disregarded the advice of interested parties and representatives by failing to establish a population goal.
Senator Stafsholt and Representative Green’s bill simply requires the DNR to set a goal for Wisconsin’s wolf population. “We’re not telling them what the number has to be, but basic common-sense dictates that you have to have a number to responsibly manage the population towards,” said Senator Stafsholt regarding a population goal. If the gray wolf is removed from the endangered species list, which is widely expected as populations continue to grow in Wisconsin and surrounding states, a population goal will provide an objective metric that will determine when a wolf harvest is warranted in the state. “I’ve heard from countless constituents in Northern Wisconsin who are frustrated with the current approach to wolf management and want to see a clear population goal established,” commented Representative Green.
Proponents of wolf population control argue that the Governor and his DNR submitted the wolf management plan unilaterally, disregarding the Legislature’s requested changes, in order to exercise their own subjective judgment over a future wolf hunt in Wisconsin. “It was certainly disappointing to see the Department abandon what I had thought were productive discussions between myself and DNR officials over the past couple years,” Senator Stafsholt stated, reflecting on the Evers Administration’s aggressive rulemaking approach since the Supreme Court of Wisconsin vastly increased his regulatory authority over the summer. “Ultimately, the plan has taken effect and now we want to work with the Governor and his administration to make it as objective and effective as possible, which is why Senator Stafsholt and I are proud to have introduced this bill,” concluded Representative Green.
Senator Stafsholt represents Wisconsin’s 10th Senate District and Representative Green represents Wisconsin’s 74th Assembly District.
